Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

In 1791 the sapling federal government, in dire need of money to pay off revolutionary war debt, imposed an excise tax on whiskey. Prior to imposition of the tax, westerners sought protection from Native American attacks and a treaty with Spain for the use of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers from the federal government. Neither of these occurred. The tax thus embittered already angry westerners, particularly Western Pennsylvanians and Virginians, against the federal government. In addition the tax had to be paid in money and not whiskey, which was frequently used as currency. Also, under the new law, tax evaders would be tried in federal court in Philadelphia. Almost immediately upon learning of the tax, Western Pennsylvanians and Virginians voiced their dissent through petitions, protests, and the formation of democracy clubs. President Washington believed these clubs were subversive of the power of the constitution and undermined the federal government. Through 1791 and into 1792 the protest of the tax escalated into violence against the tax collector. In an attempt to placate the rising insurrection, Congress, at the behest of Alexander Hamilton, lowered the tax rates and agreed to allow monthly payments. The rebellion continued, and by September Washington proclaimed that any organization or assemblage that obstructed federal law would be dissolved. By 1793 collection of the ... log in or subscribe to read full text